Microsoft Dreamspark

I got an invite from the Open University’s MCT department to try DreamSpark:

DreamSpark is a Microsoft Program that supports technical education by providing access to Microsoft software for learning, teaching and research purposes.

DreamSpark is simple: it’s all about giving students Microsoft professional-level developer and designer tools at no cost so that students can chase their dreams and create the next big breakthrough in technology – or just get a head start on their career.

Its been quite useful. So far, I’ve tried Windows 8 and moved to a more recent version of Visual Studio. I recommend it, certainly if your University has an academic membership its worth asking for access because there is a significantly larger amount of software available.